China16 days
China: Great Wall, Sacred Peaks & Southern Countryside — 16 Days
Beijing to Shanghai via the Ming Dynasty wall, Hua Shan's five peaks, and a four-day cycling route through Guilin's rice terraces and karst valleys.
This 16-day journey splits time between China's most recognizable landmarks and the agricultural landscape that surrounds them. You'll walk sections of the Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty, climb the five peaks of Hua Shan (2,160 meters), one of China's Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, and spend four days cycling through the countryside south of Guilin — past rice terraces, bamboo forests, Yao ethnic villages, and the karst peaks that appear on the 20-yuan note. The route connects Beijing's Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an with villages and mountain passes that see few foreign visitors. Accommodation alternates between guesthouses in farming communities and established hotels in larger cities.
Highlights
- Six-kilometer hike on the Wohushan section of the Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty with watchtowers and precipitous ridgelines
- Twelve-kilometer trek across the Great Wall from Gubeikou to Jinshanling, passing restored and crumbled sections and an inner defensive wall circle
- Cable car ascent and full-day hiking circuit of Hua Shan's five peaks, including the narrow Changkong Plank Trail carved into a vertical cliff face
- Viewing of the Terracotta Warriors — nearly 2,000 of 6,000 individually sculpted figures unearthed after 2,000 years of burial near Xi'an
- Ten-kilometer hike through the Longji Rice Terraces, named for their resemblance to dragon scales, among bamboo and chestnut forests
- Four-day cycling route from Longji through minority villages, tea plantations, and forest sections to Yangshuo
- Bamboo raft journey on the Li River near Yangshuo, followed by cycling through orchards and rice fields to Yu Long Bridge
Day by day
1Arrival in Beijing and Peking Duck WelcomeBeijing · hotel lobby · traditional Peking Duck dinner · Chongwenmen Hotel or similar
Welcome to Beijing. Meet your local guide at 6pm in the hotel lobby for a briefing on your 16-day itinerary, including details about guides in each city ahead. Following an orientation walk through the capital, you'll experience a traditional Peking Duck dinner. You'll stay at Chongwenmen Hotel or similar.
2Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City & Hutong CyclingTiananmen Square · the Forbidden City · the hutongs
Start with Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, home to the Monument of the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Move into the Forbidden City, constructed between 1406 and 1420 as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for over 500 years. UNESCO recognizes it as the most extensive collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. After touring the complex, cycle through the hutongs — narrow alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard homes — to experience the local life of Old Beijing.
3Wohushan to Gubeikou: Hiking the Ming Dynasty WallYe Shufang Guesthouse · Wohushan section of the Great Wall
We travel to the Great Wall's Wohushan section, built during the Ming Dynasty and named for its 'crouching tigers'—a reference to the precipitous terrain that defines this region. The 13.6-kilometer section remains a masterpiece of Great Wall construction, distinguished by its ingenious design and the remarkable density of watchtowers positioned throughout. Our hike covers six kilometers over approximately three hours, following the wall through mountain passes and taking in the strategic architecture that has endured since the 16th century. The Gubeikou area, where our route concludes, marks a vital mountain pass that historically divided this section of the wall into distinct parts. After the hike, we settle into Ye Shufang Guesthouse, a farmer's accommodation in the Gubeikou area, where we'll spend the night. Breakfast and lunch are included.
4Great Wall Trek from Gubeikou to JinshanlingGubeikou to Jinshanling · inner circle of the wall · guesthouse in the village of Erdaoliang in the Jinshanling area · Great Wall sections between Gubeikou and Jinshanling
Begin early with a 12-kilometer trek from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. Walk through lush vegetation and observe sections of wall where local farmers removed bricks in the 1950s to build their homes. Pass a local village and walk around an inner circle of the wall — the second line of defense in case the main wall was breached. The hike covers approximately four to five hours of walking, with breaks for views and lunch. Finish the day at a guesthouse in the village of Erdaoliang in the Jinshanling area.
5Great Wall Jinshanling to Simatai West & Return to BeijingJinshanling to Simatai West · Beijing · the guesthouse · a local farmer's restaurant
Begin with a home-cooked breakfast at the guesthouse, then continue your hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West. This final Great Wall section spans eight kilometers of mostly paved ground, revealing both original and restored stonework as the wall snakes across mountain ridges. The watchtowers along this route display varied architecture—some with flat roofs, others rounded, a few pitched with upturned eaves. Unrestored sections include stairs and steep gradients that add technical interest to the terrain. The hike takes approximately four to five hours to complete. Afterward, you'll lunch at a local farmer's restaurant, sampling regional fare before the three-hour drive back to Beijing. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation at Chongwenmen Hotel or similar.
6Beijing to Hua Shan by Fast TrainBeijing · Beijing to Hua Shan · Hua Shan · the settlement
A free morning in Beijing precedes a five-hour fast train ride to Hua Shan, known as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven.' The mountain is one of China's Five Sacred Taoist Mountains and carries a long history of religious significance. Check into the hotel at the mountain's base and take an orientation walk around the settlement.
7Hiking Hua Shan's Five PeaksHua Shan's five peaks · Hua Shan · North Peak · Ear-Touching Cliff · Heavenward Ladder · Black Dragon Ridge · Golden Lock Pass · Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak) · East Peak (Facing Sun Peak) · South Peak (Landing Wild Geese Peak) · Changkong Plank Trail · West Peak
Spend a full day exploring Hua Shan's five peaks, reaching an elevation of 2,160 meters at the highest summit. Begin with a cable car to the North Peak, then climb the Ear-Touching Cliff, Heavenward Ladder, and Black Dragon Ridge until reaching the Golden Lock Pass. After lunch, continue to the Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak) and East Peak (Facing Sun Peak) before hiking to the South Peak (Landing Wild Geese Peak), the highest point. Here, traverse the Changkong Plank Trail — a 30-centimeter-wide plank path built along a vertical cliff with views of steep drops below. Finish by reaching the West Peak before taking a cable car descent. The day's hiking covers approximately 12 kilometers with four to five hours of walking interspersed with rest breaks.
8Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an City Wall & Muslim QuarterTerracotta Warriors · Xi'an City Wall · Xi'an's Muslim Quarter
Begin the day at the Terracotta Warriors, one of archaeology's most significant discoveries. Unearthed in 1976 by farmers digging a well, these clay soldiers had remained buried for 2,000 years. Three main pits are open for viewing, displaying nearly 2,000 of the estimated 6,000 warriors total. Each figure is individually sculpted with distinct costumes, heights, and facial expressions, arranged in precise battle formation.
After an hour's drive, arrive in Xi'an for a cycling tour around the ancient city wall. At over 13 kilometers in circumference, it stands as China's most significant and best-preserved city wall, offering views across the urban landscape.
The day concludes with an evening walk through Xi'an's Muslim Quarter. Navigate the narrow streets at a leisurely pace, passing small shops, bustling markets, and local restaurants that characterize this historic neighborhood.
9Flight to Guilin & Drive to Longji Rice TerracesGuilin · Longji Rice Terraces · Xi'an
A morning flight from Xi'an to Guilin is followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Longji. The Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces represent an agricultural achievement spanning more than 650 years. The Ping'an Village Rice Terrace section — the earliest to attract visitors and photographers — dominates the landscape. After settling into your guesthouse, your guide leads an orientation walk through the area.
10Hiking the Longji Rice Terraces & Yao VillageLongji Valley · Dazhai · Huangluo Yao Zhai · Ping'an Village
Hike 10.2 kilometers through Longji Valley among rice terraces, bamboo trees, and chestnut forests. The terraces derive their name from their resemblance to dragon scales; the mountain summit resembles a dragon's backbone. Despite some steep sections, much of the route follows stone paths passing waterfalls and cultivated fields. Lunch is served at a farmer's restaurant in Dazhai, from which a local shuttle bus carries you to Huangluo Yao Zhai, a village of the Yao ethnic people. Walk among wooden houses and encounter the Yao women known for their traditionally long hair and distinct cultural practices. A shuttle bus returns you to Ping'an Village for the night.
11Cycling Begins: Longji to Shiertan DescentLongji to Shiertan Descent · minority villages · pine and bamboo forests, tea plantations, and small communities · Wantian village · riverside hotel
The four-day cycling route opens with a six-kilometer downhill stretch featuring dozens of switchbacks. The route continues downward before flattening along the river through minority villages for 11 kilometers. Mid-morning riding follows quiet sealed roads, climbing through pine and bamboo forests, tea plantations, and small communities. After a lunch of Guilin-style rice noodles, the afternoon brings an undulating 25-kilometer ride through Wantian village, finishing at a riverside hotel where dinner is served on an outdoor terrace overlooking the water.
12Cycling through Farmland to GuilinWantian Village · backroads and trails through vegetable plots and fruit orchards · tea plantation · off-road forest sections · riverside hotel in Guilin
An early start returns you to Wantian Village for a local breakfast of wanton soup and steamed bread, followed by time at the colorful morning market. Ride 30 kilometers along small backroads and trails through vegetable plots and fruit orchards, gaining close views of village farm life. A stop at a tea plantation provides lunch and instruction in tea farming, production, and tasting. Another 50 kilometers follows, including off-road forest sections, until the karst peaks surrounding Guilin appear on the horizon. Settle into a riverside hotel in Guilin with numerous dining options nearby.
13Cycling the Li River Route to YangshuoLi River · Yangshuo · Daxu · bamboo forest · riverbank · karst landscape · Xingping
Begin with riding through morning commuter traffic before clearing the city to follow the Li River through riverside towns. Daxu, a village with cobblestoned streets, dates from the Yuan Dynasty. Bike paths lead through bamboo forest; lunch is eaten on the riverbank featuring typical farmers' food with vegetables harvested from nearby fields. Afternoon riding includes climbs into the karst landscape with views across a wide valley of rice fields, reaching Xingping, a village dating from the Ming Dynasty. Finish at Yangshuo for the night.
14Yangshuo Cycling Circuit: Karst, Rice Fields & OrchardsYangshuo · Li River · Xianggong Shan · citrus orchards · rice paddies · Yu Long (Dragon Meeting) Bridge
The landscape around Yangshuo—karst mountains, rice fields, and the Li River—features multiple cycling routes through varying terrain. Travel upriver on bamboo rafts before returning to bicycles toward Xianggong Shan. From its lookout, the full scale of the landscape reveals itself. Following the ridgeline enters terrain of citrus orchards, before returning through rice paddies to reach Baisha and the Dragon River. Lunch is served at a local farmers' restaurant overlooked by the centuries-old Yu Long (Dragon Meeting) Bridge. Local trails and paths lead back to Yangshuo for the final night.
15Flight to Shanghai & Exploration of Temple, Garden & BundGuilin · City God Temple area · Yuyuan Garden · Old Shanghai · the Bund
A morning flight from Guilin delivers you to Shanghai. Begin with the City God Temple area and the adjacent Yuyuan Garden. The City God Temple originated as the Jinshan God Temple in honor of Jinshan ('Gold Mountain'), an island off Shanghai's coast, and was converted to its present form in 1403. The surrounding area is a large pedestrian zone with shops, restaurants, and teahouses. Yuyuan Garden spans several acres in Ming and Qing architectural styles. Stroll the narrow winding lanes (longtangs) of Old Shanghai to observe daily local life, then visit the Bund — a row of Art Deco buildings that once housed Asia's most important financial institutions.
16Departure from ShanghaiShanghai · airport
Your final day in Shanghai is unscheduled. Depending on your flight time, spend it exploring more of the city or sampling from its diverse range of cuisines. A private transfer to the airport is included.
Where you go
- 1Beijing
- 2Tiananmen Square
- 3Beijing
- 4Changkong Plank Trail
- 5Terracotta Warriors
- 6Xi'an City Wall
- 7Xi'an
- 8Li River
- 9Yangshuo
- 10Li River
- 11City God Temple area
- 12Yuyuan Garden
- 13the Bund
- 14Shanghai
Included
- Included:
- 10 nights' hotel & 5 nights' guesthouse accommodation based on twin share
- Local English speaking guide service in each city for FIT of 2-5 pax
- National English speaking guide throughout for group of 6 pax or up
- Private transfers as specified
- Sightseeing tours with entrance fee as specified
- 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners
- Regular class fast train Beijing-HuaShan
- Economic class flight Xi'an-Guilin & Guilin-Shanghai
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- Visa fee